Here, we’ll be posting links, resources, articles, videos and any other kind of thing that helps us understand the suburban world better and how the gospel is worked out in this particular context. Over the last few years we’ve seen a groundswell of conversation and questions around this topic and we’d like to do our best to contribute to and further the conversation.
We are working on a project together (some might call it a book but who knows what it will be) and this website will be an important conversation piece and resource for us as we go. We hope to hear from others in this journey as well as share the resources we come across and thoughts we have.
Who is Behind this Website?
Todd Hiestand
Todd has been a pastor at The Well in Suburban Philadelphia since 2001 and has been Lead Pastor there since 2004. While he has been there 9 years, he likes to say that The Well is a 13 year old church plant. It was started in 1997 and has gone through a lot of changes. The Well planted their first church in the neighboring suburb of Bristol in 2009, Redemption Church of Bristol. Todd is the author of the article “The Gospel and the God-forsaken, The Challenge of the Missional Church in Suburbia” which has served as a conversation starter for many people. Todd has been blogging about this topic for a while and you can read some of his stuff at www.toddhiestand.com
Michael Wallenmeyer
For the past seven years Michael has been the pastor at Mt. Laurel Evangelical Free Church in Mt. Laurel, NJ. He is married to Marcie and they have three energetic children; Justice, Audra and Noah. Educational background includes Bible/Theology degree from Moody Bible Institute and Master’s of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Michael is passionate about Jesus, community life centered around Jesus, and leading people to be engaged in the Mission of God.
Why don’t you fellas have RSS feed?
Thanks for bringing this conversation forward guys! I have often sat around the table in conversations that completely ignore or mock the American suburban experience. And while indeed, there is much to lament and poke fun at, the reality is that millions of us eek out our existence in “the burbs” and we can do it with intentional living and purpose and through bringing God’s desires for this world to light. It can indeed happen in the burbs. I’m a Christian environmentalist who is trying to do this and it is funny how often suburbanites are excluded from eco-conversations under the auspices that “green” and “suburbs” are mutually exclusive. So three cheers for you guys and what you are doing!
Thanks,
Tracey Bianchi
Sam-The RSS feed discussion will need to go to Todd, he is the mad genius when it comes to all things techy!
Tracey-Both Todd and I love this conversation about following Christ in suburbia. We agree with you, so much of the missional discussion in the past has been from a big city or urban perspective. There is no question that God is building his kingdom in suburbia as well as the city, we just need the spiritual eyes to see.
I will be sending you some questions about what the Bible has to say about being a good steward of this amazing planet. This is an area that I know I can grow in personally! Look forward to our future conversations…
You guys are wandering all over my old stomping grounds. Born in Elkins Park, PA, raised in Bucks County. I will have to come back and visit your site often.